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Preserving the <i>nyunganyunga</i> mbira tunes through teaching and learning of performance using Sibelius 7
Abstract
The study focused on preserving mbira tunes by using transcription with Sibelius 7. The researcher purposively selected (7 females and 8 males) music students to play the transcribed ‘Bungautete’, ‘Chigwaya’, ‘Guva rangu’ and, ‘Nhemamusasa’ on the nyunganyunga mbira. Action research and the computer-assisted method guided the lessons. The study followed UNESCO’s decree on Safeguarding cultural heritage aiming to protect the world’s intangible cultural heritage through upholding practices, uses, and expression of knowledge that communities recognise as vital to their culture. The advent of computers in music education offers advantages to music educators and students to use emerging technologies in class. The nyunganyunga mbira in recent years gained recognition in primary, secondary and tertiary music education in Zimbabwe and beyond. Materials from the study are useful in teaching the nyunganyunga mbira to the current and future generations. The study proffers ways to preserve and present the tunes in print, PDF, audio, MP3, and MIDI formats as instructional materials. The study affords knowledge on how to use the software in teaching the nyunganyunga mbira. It also provides material and knowledge useful in schools, colleges and universities in music education. Further studies may be needed to cater for other mbira types.